Photograph
London, United Kingdom
Victoria and Albert Museum
About Victoria and Albert Museum, London
1898
Unknown
E.2283:191-1997
Platinum print
Height: 27.5 cm album, Width: 80 cm album open
United Kingdom
This photograph is taken from a family photograph album. Most of the photographs in it are printed on platinum paper, which was introduced in 1879.
Throughout most of the 19th century women had few legal rights to property, money, children, or even, after marriage, their own bodies. However, there were great changes in attitudes during the last decade of the century. The traditional role of women was questioned and some women openly defied convention. They educated themselves by reading widely and took up what were seen as 'un-ladylike' activities such as smoking and cycling. The free movement of the bicycle was seen as a symbol of equality and personal freedom.
Victoria and Albert Museum "Photograph" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;uk;144;en
Prepared by: Victoria and Albert Museum
MWNF Working Number: UK 144
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Fine And Applied Arts | Photography | Overview Reforms And Social Changes | Women | Struggle For Women's RightsDownload
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